Despite monsoon showers creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, various civic authorities in both Kurnool and Nandyal districts are largely inactive to their threat. For example, fogging machines in many municipalities are either not functioning or are not being used. This is despite dengue and other seasonal fevers showing an upward trend.
The region has reported 150 dengue and two malaria cases. As a key preventive measure, health experts emphasise on fogging and anti-larval operations. But such efforts are missing even in major towns.
In the past, the TD government implemented an anti-mosquito drive – Domalapai Dandayatra, which helped reduce the density of mosquitos and disease outbreaks. However, in the past five years, these initiatives have been ignored.
There are nine municipalities in the joint Kurnool district, apart from the Kurnool Municipal Corporation (KMC). Totally, these have 320 wards and a population of around 17-18 lakh. Despite collecting nearly ₹125–₹130 crore annually in property tax, municipalities have failed to prioritise public health, especially during mosquito breeding seasons.
The available anti-mosquito equipment across municipalities shows alarming gaps. In KMC, out of ten fogging machines, only five are operational. Adoni municipality has eight machines for its 42 wards, but none are functional. In Allagadda, two machines exist, but have not been used so far. Nandikotkur has two machines and Dhone has four—only two of them are in working condition.
A senior official from Kurnool, however, said: “We are taking stringent measures to control the mosquito menace. We are currently checking the status of fogging machines and sprayers and ensuring they are used adequately. There is no spike in dengue cases so far. We are continuously monitoring the situation.”
In areas where dengue and malaria cases have previously been reported, urgent preventive action is needed, like spraying mosquito repellents, placing oil balls in stagnant water and releasing mosquito larva-eating Gambusia fish in ponds.
“Without immediate action, the situation could worsen, posing a serious health risk to residents. Officials must stay alert during monsoon and take timely preventive measures,” said Dr. V.K. Reddy, a retired physician from Nandyal.
Simple preventive measures people themselves can follow are keeping water tanks covered, removing old containers from open spaces and promoting the use of mosquito nets at home. Public participation in weekly “Friday Dry Day” programmes to eliminate stagnant water is also essential.
In the past, the TD government implemented an anti-mosquito drive – Domalapai Dandayatra, which helped reduce the density of mosquitos and disease outbreaks. However, in the past five years, these initiatives have been ignored.
There are nine municipalities in the joint Kurnool district, apart from the Kurnool Municipal Corporation (KMC). Totally, these have 320 wards and a population of around 17-18 lakh. Despite collecting nearly ₹125–₹130 crore annually in property tax, municipalities have failed to prioritise public health, especially during mosquito breeding seasons.
The available anti-mosquito equipment across municipalities shows alarming gaps. In KMC, out of ten fogging machines, only five are operational. Adoni municipality has eight machines for its 42 wards, but none are functional. In Allagadda, two machines exist, but have not been used so far. Nandikotkur has two machines and Dhone has four—only two of them are in working condition.
A senior official from Kurnool, however, said: “We are taking stringent measures to control the mosquito menace. We are currently checking the status of fogging machines and sprayers and ensuring they are used adequately. There is no spike in dengue cases so far. We are continuously monitoring the situation.”
In areas where dengue and malaria cases have previously been reported, urgent preventive action is needed, like spraying mosquito repellents, placing oil balls in stagnant water and releasing mosquito larva-eating Gambusia fish in ponds.
“Without immediate action, the situation could worsen, posing a serious health risk to residents. Officials must stay alert during monsoon and take timely preventive measures,” said Dr. V.K. Reddy, a retired physician from Nandyal.
Simple preventive measures people themselves can follow are keeping water tanks covered, removing old containers from open spaces and promoting the use of mosquito nets at home. Public participation in weekly “Friday Dry Day” programmes to eliminate stagnant water is also essential.
